The Anti-Zoo Propaganda Continues - What Our Zoo Board and The City Need To Do

Well, this is my Zoo day, and I've been moved to write this post.  The Zoo opens in twenty minutes and I'm still in bed.  Our Lions deserve this delay in my plans.  I will see them soon.

The In Defense Of Animals post has set-off an onslaught of posts by Animal pages and individuals on social media sites, who have grabbed this and ran with it.  While it irked me to keep seeing this over and over the last two days, it was this one I just saw, that got my tears flowing.

Maybe it was because I read the comments, maybe and more likely it's because I'm fed up with the bullshit that has led to this situation.  It has hurt my soul that Jasiri and Lulu are even in this position, and now seeing this photo (which is actually of Jasiri and his Mama Sukari), splashed all over social media, is making me physically sick.  

Reading judgemental comments from Anti-Zoo people who know nothing about these Lions saddens me.

This whole thing is because Our Zoo was left to squander under the mismanagement and negligence of the San Francisco Zoological Society Board and the (former) CEO/Director Tanya Peterson.  

The Board and Tanya treated Our Zoo like it was their own private club for at least the eighteen years that Peterson was at the helm.  Neither entity made any moves at major fundraising, and never planned for the needs of Our Animals who might need enclosure upgrades due to physical aging, like currently with Our Lions, or in the past due to aging enclosures themselves, like with Our Chimpanzees in 2015.

It was only due to public outrage that Our Chimps got a new home built at Our Zoo.  The Board and Tanya were just fine with sending senior Chimpanzees who lived at Our Zoo for near fifty years, packing from the only home they had ever known.  

This whole thing has also been caused by The City's lack of oversight of a facility it owns, and perpetual negligence to provide Our Zoo that bears it's name, with a Cost of Living increase to the annual management fee.  

There is no way a $4 million a year fee that was instituted thirty-three years ago, would have buying value as the years went on, especially in this town.  Once tech moved in and prices started to skyrocket, that should have signaled a change needed to happen.  Yet nothing changed.  Our Zoo continued on the next twenty-six years barely getting by, and NO ONE CARED.  

Financial breakdown of how the $4 million is distributed, shows most of it gets kicked back to The City.  How is this right?  How is this expected to sustain even basic needs?  

The Lease Agreement from 1993 essentially notes that the Zoological Society will cover all costs of running the Zoo.  For the purpose of this situation, that includes all upgrades to Animal enclosures and new builds.  How is that even possible?  Even with Board Member donations and major Fundraising, there would need to be additional money coming in.

I personally think there's a loophole regarding The City's responsibility to all existing buildings (mostly the WPA era ones) at the time of the lease signing, but I haven't investigated that any further.  

Back to how this affects the current situation.  Our Lions are set to transfer out because bottom line, there is no money to fund a new enclosure for them at Our Zoo.  That is regardless of future aging needs.  The Big Cat yards attached to the Lion House, are slated to be used for Pandas.  

This is not right.  

So, how does this wrong become right?

If The Board and The City are supporting bring in Pandas, they need to support providing for Our Lions on Zoo property.  That means building them a new enclosure.

As I've illustrated, this situation is the direct negligence of the San Francisco Zoological Society Board, and the City of San Francisco.  There is no way to go back in time and rewrite a history that has these entities show Our Zoo the care it needed to thrive into the future to this point in time.  BUT, these entities can do the right thing now.

The San Francisco Zoological Society Board, and the City of San Francisco, need to pony-up, and fund Our Lions a new enclosure on Zoo property.

This is what was originally outlined when news broke of the Lion House being used for Pandas.  

Considering if Our Zoo had been given the Cost of Living increases from 1993 to now, the current management fee would be $9.44 million.  The City has gotten away with basically withholding well over $80 million that could have greatly helped Our Zoo and greatly prevented the position it's now in.  

The position Our Lions are now in.

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> Previous Post:

Anti-Zoo Zealots Use Our Lions To Solicit Donations

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/anti-zoo-zealots-use-our-lions-to.html

> Related Posts:  Use Search tool in upper left corner, keyword  "Lions"

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

 

Anti-Zoo Zealots Use Our Lions To Solicit Donations

Most days I don't set an alarm.  It's starting to seem like every time I do, for some reason I am still awake as time gets closer and closer to the bell.  So this morning, with the two hour window closing in, I opened Facebook and saw this post as the clock neared 4a.  Not what I needed on my mind.  And I certainly didn't want to write another blog post.

Considering I have written extensively about Our Lions eviction, some might say, Why does she care what others put forth about the same?  

I don't care if there's other thoughts and opinions, I care when I feel it comes from a place of bias.  By that, and specific to this group, I mean from people whose goal is rooted solely in an Anti-Zoo position.  While silent in recent months, this group and their allies came out of the woodwork in 2024 when media started exposing the mass mismanagement under former CEO/Director Tanya Peterson. They tried to ignite many stories with sensationalism, in an effort to build an army of supporters with the goal of getting Our Zoo closed.   

It is not my intention to rehash their faults, but to document an outrageous and misleading component to their latest campaign.  My issue in this, is not that there's a suggestion of Sanctuary for Jasiri and Lulu (Zoo name Marvella), I want them to live their lives wherever the best home is, where all their needs can be taken care of.

My issue is that this group is not only using Our Lions to solicit Donations, but for Anti-Zoo campaigns.  They state donations will, "support their work in this issue."   Yet when you click on the link to donate, it takes you to their main donation page, not one specifically for, "this issue".   And seriously, what would that look like anyway?  Are they planning to pay for relocation expenses?

I didn't get to finishing this post until now, nearing midnight (now, the next morning as I fell asleep while proof reading this).  I started it when I woke-up this morning, but then spent the time I had then,  researching the Sanctuary they have named.  Without going into detail, there are seemingly Pro's and Con's to this place.  I will share what I learned with Zoo Staff, in case they are considering this as an option, as something came up in my research, that may not have in theirs.  I dived deeper, and they should do the same, just to have full understanding.

That said, I just went to the post on In Defense Of Animals Facebook, to pull exact wording and screencaps to include here, and apparently they have blocked me.  I guess they didn't like my comment.  I always find it curious when entities can't handle the words of others, if they go against their agendas.

My words spoke truth.  

"Disgusting that IDA is using these Lions to solicit donations for their often misguided and misinformed Anti-Zoo campaigns."

Unfavorable Comment Submitted About New CEO/Director - My Reply

This comment was attached to my previous post.  As I wrote out my reply, it became pretty lengthy.  I replied in brief on that post, but decided to include my reply in full, in a stand-alone post.  I did so, not just because of the length, but because I have heard different opinions, ranging from those who aren't happy, but only have a couple things to note, to those who are on the fence, to those who are optimistic, and then there's me, who has had a lot to say, about a lot of things, both pro and con.  That said, this was the first that was completely unfavorable.  I'm curious how many others share this commenter's assessment?

Of course, most of my words have been expressed in previous posts, but  maybe there will be something new for someone.   As well I apologize to all, for times I digressed from just responding to the comment, to getting more blogg-y with my words.

Anonymous - Costello is a facelift. The aesthetic is slightly different, but the toxicity remains inside. Executive leadership remains inadequate and inefficient in animal welfare and workplace culture. They push all those with knowledge and qualifications out. You need to smile and agree with the bad decisions in order to fail upwards like the executives. Costello’s favorite word to use of late is “transparency” which is interesting considering she operates with just as much insincerity and duplicity as the previous under-qualified CEO. Shame. So many staff members are incredible, and the animals are amazing. It is a shame the zoo is still being poorly managed. No faith left.

@Anonymous -  Thank you for your comment.  I saw the email for moderation as I was closing up for the night.  I waited til morning to publish and reply, as coincidentally, I had just been in a messaging conversation in which the comparison between Cassandra and Tanya came up.  So, your comment was interesting timing, and contained some surprising words, and possibly some insight depending on where your feelings are rooted.  So, very much a welcomed additional take on How Cassandra is doing in her first year.  Your comment is actually the first seemingly completely unfavorable assessment that I've heard.  

Without having met Cassandra, I can only go by what I've seen.  I do not believe that she is anything like Tanya.  Tanya didn't care about Our Animals, Our Zoo, her Staff, or actually doing the job she was tasked with.  Same general lack of care still comes from the Board.  Cassandra seemingly cares, and that's a huge change.  It's a change that I think for the most part has created a better work environment.  I do think that morale and optimism may have possibly taken a bit of a dive among Staff, and certainly even lower with me, with some choices (Chimps and Lions) and direction the Zoo is going (Pandas).  

I fully realize and sympathize with the shit show she walked into, but it's been a year and there have been some huge bad decisions made, and not enough effort in trying to avoid making those decisions.  I speak specifically of evicting Our Chimpanzees and Our Lions.  

I see little things that are meaningful changes and additions, but I can think of more little things that would make a difference that haven't happened.  I know not everything can be fixed overnight, but come on, the perimeter fence thing!  Leaving a fallen fence in the front of the Zoo for six weeks, is just not right.  I don't discredit the different vibe or attention to trying, but for it being a year, I expect more.  I expect multi-tasking to up the level of Our Zoo in every way possible.  I am completely disappointed that one of the first priorities was not fundraising specifically for a new enclosure so we don't lose Our Lions.  Losing Our Chimpanzees and Lions is straight out of Tanya's playbook, and nothing in her plans should have been brought into the fold of new leadership.

I don't like that Our Chimpanzees are on the eviction list, but while I think there are ways to keep both, I think time is an issue for Lions and an easier project in regards to build time and cost, than Chimps and the Triple Grotto rebuild.  

After a year of searching, still no new home for Chimps has been found.  If same happens with Lions, maybe the time will soon come for the Board and City to invest in a new Lion enclosure, and rebuild on the Triple Grotto for Chimpanzees.  The Zoo has said both species will return (if they leave), but by my estimation, that realistically won't be for seven to twelve years.  It's the Board and City's fault Our Zoo sunk so low, they should be investing in these two current Residents now.  We would not be losing Our Chimps and Lions if the City had been paying the Zoo a management fee that included a yearly cost of living increase, and the Board had been appropriately managing Our Zoo.

So, time will tell many things in regard to the level of success Cassandra will have.  To date, I think she is just trying to hold it together.  Her to-do list seemingly looks like this...

1) Keep Zoo financially afloat.

2) Pass Accreditation

3) Bring in Pandas

The later is a sore point with near everyone, but there are two things to consider...

-Cassandra is seemingly mostly forging ahead with this because she has to.  The Board and Mayor are seemingly pushing for it.  As well most Officials think it will Save Our Zoo.

-My concern is after no one caring, and I'm specifically speaking to the Board, to work to Keep Our Chimps and Lions, Animals already living at Our Zoo, funds will have been wasted courting Pandas and none will arrive.  Just because they want them, and may well build for them, doesn't mean China will send them.

Yes, I agree, there is no change in transparency.  It started with the few media mentions alluding to Panda fundraising and timeline.  Then I began to see other topic evasion, with only alluding to the future, without actually divulging anything. Since, I learned that Zoos are basically gag ordered by China not to talk about Panda terms and process, there's nothing that could be done about that.  So, the public isn't going to know anything, until China actually says Yes, and that won't be until an enclosure is completely done, and inspected by Chinese Officials.  That could take years even though anytime Pandas are mentioned, the words read like they are coming soon.  

There are topics that I know not only myself, but others would like to know what the plan is, since there has been no mention of much of anything. So, lack of transparency seems to play a part in that aspect as well.  Holding things close to the vest as the saying goes, does not bode well for a public that has suffered through Tanya's destruction, and doesn't want to guess at what Our Zoo's future looks like.  It has been pointed out to me, that Cassandra has not done any real interviews.  Maybe she doesn't want to answer difficult or controversial questions?  If she does, I have a list!  

Dino's Extended - That Means No Access to WalkAbout+ Continues

Ugh, started my block of days IN for the weekend last night and realized not a thought for the blog!  It was a glorious thing.  It was short lived.

Interesting chain of events this morning.

9a - I was thinking of the date in relation to Dino's.  I didn't get to the Zoo this week, and realized the end of Dino's was Saturday, and that it could be a couple weeks of Dino take-down before I could visit Boomer (the Emu at WalkAbout).

10a - Zoo's email Newsletter with this comes through.

11a - A friend messaged me about this extension of Dino's.  

I'm all for attractions that are going to bring money into the Zoo, but in my opinion it's a problem when regularly included attractions, specifically Animal Enclosures, are closed to regular visitors.   

Before Dino's, I visited Boomer every week.  I hate to pick favorites, but he and Gauhati (One Horned Rhino), are mine.  These Friends have a piece of my heart.  As well, and I hate to even say this (but it is a thought during this restricted access), both are getting up in age and every visit is cherished.

When Dino's first started I planned out paying for it every few weeks for the three months, just so I could visit Boomer.  Now there's four more months?   

I'm sorry, but it's insanity that WalkAbout and Cassowary for that matter will continue to be closed.  Aside from my personal upset about diminished time with Boomer, that's seven months+, of two Animal Enclosures off view, in a place that already has a dwindling collection.

I had sent an email to Marketing suggesting they figure out something along the lines of free entry to those who have already paid, to be able access these Animal Enclosures.

Within today's announcement, it's noted that new Memberships will include tickets to Dino's.  I guess that something, but doesn't address the exclusion to those who are either already Zoo Members or are regular visitors with no Membership.   

Personally, I chose not to renew my Membership this year for a couple reasons.  I can't currently afford a full price Membership, and at the time, I wasn't sure what the future held for Our Zoo.  Since I have EBT, I chose to use the Museums For All discount instead.  My last Membership had a Community Discount that was 50% off Memberships.  That was doable, but they did away with it.  I'm two years from Senior level and next level is useless since I don't need a second card.  In my (selfish?) opinion, they are lacking an affordable level.  Maybe the Senior level should be Seniors and Singles!

Anyway, I got no problem with buying an EBT ticket, but would prefer to have a Membership.  YET, in the current issue with access to Boomer, that would still not help.

Those who have already paid (and repeatedly) for Dino's, visit regularly, and clearly have no need to see Dino's again and again, should be given access to WalkAbout and Cassowary.

Visiting Boomer week before last.   Spent a half hour with him, since it had been a few weeks.   For many years, he is used to seeing me every week, and I think he enjoys it.  No matter where in the enclosure he is, he comes down to me and just hangs out.   We have a routine and it's sad that I don't get to see him weekly.   And he don't understand why that is.

Anyway, this could just be my feelings since I'm so endeared to Boomer, but if you're bothered for some reason as well, and inclined, give a shout out, to the Zoo's... CEO/Director, Cassandra Costello ( cassandrac@sfzoo.org ) VP of Marketing, Paulo Vergara ( paulov@sfzoo.org ) and Director of Communication, Nancy Chan ( nancyc@sfzoo.org )

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> Previous Post:

Bison Paddock Update & Related Bullshit

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/bison-paddock-update-related-bullshit.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

 

Bison Paddock Update & Related Bullshit

I just had five days of peace at home.  All I did was rest.  I didn't check any goals off my to-do list.  Each day I had a fleeting thought about whether to write this post.  Before I venture back to the outdoor world, I'm gonna give it a go.

Last Tuesday morning as I drove by the Bison, I stopped and took photos of the main meadow.  This marked the fourth or fifth time I've done this since summer started.  

Last September, two weeks shy of exactly a year ago, I wrote yet another post about the Bison, titled, "Bison Meadow Saga - Fall Update & My New Idea".  It basically gave an updated overview of my most recent efforts to try and get the RecPark to finally fix the main meadow Sprinkler, so the Bison could have appropriate vegetation to graze on.  It also included an idea for removing the patches of toxic weed that has been growing there. The following month, in another post I mentioned that I had shared that idea with the appropriate person on the Zoo Staff, as I figured the RecPark isn't going to do it, maybe the Zoo could make it a Renew the Zoo project.  I also noted I would be pausing my efforts, as I had done all I could do.  I noted that I would still monitor the situation and update in June, after the rainy season that leaves the meadow green, and the start of summer that dries out the meadow and leaves it brown and void of any edible vegetation.

For those who don't know, since I used the word toxic, I want to note that the Bison do not bother with those weeds, so there is no danger to them.  Additionally since edible vegetation is scarce, Zoo Keepers put out additional food to supplement what they don't get from optimum natural grazing behavior.

It's unfortunate that no one thought removing these weeds was beneficial, as now, with the high winds last winter seed must have blown fierce as those weeds have tripled and now cover a majority of the meadow.  Any green that is seen, is those weeds.  It's an illusion.  Not edible vegetation for the Bison. Not green landscape.  That is the brown you see.  Anything edible is dried out from no water.

Taken last Tuesday

This is a good place to note that the purpose of this post, at this time is pure documentation.  I had planned to just update Supervisor Connie Chan, as I asked for her assistance in my efforts last year.  Considering the state of increasing dry in the last five months, I thought she should know, contrary to what the RecPark told us over a year ago, apparently they never fixed the Sprinklers.  I did not plan to blog about Bison any further.  

I did start that update post in June, but after asking the Zoo Staffer what happened with my idea, and being told higher ups deemed the toxic weed removal not something they wanted to pursue, I really just thought, fuck it all. With the exception of a mention in my August 16 post titled, "Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up", about this and RecPark's Sprinkler fail, among other things Bison and Zoo related, I was done.  

Then bullshit happened.

After stopping by the Bison last Tuesday, I went to the Zoo.  I heard a rumor that someone made a call about the Bison, and the Zoo was pinning it on me.  I ran into someone, and straightened that out right quick, but this does need some unpacking.  

First, I don't do anything Anonymously.  For eighteen years of Zoo concerns, my name has been on everything I do.  Second, the call was allegedly asking Why the Bison were in the back enclosure.  This is not to make what I post self-important, but someone there should be following along, and if they had been they should know, my concerns have pretty much exclusively been the Sprinkler issue, and in the last year that toxic weed removal.  I asked a Keeper about the Ladies being in the back after seeing them there several weeks in a row, as I was curious if work was going to be done on the Sprinklers or weeds, which requires access to main meadow.  Other than that I trust what the Keepers do.  Third, there is a handful+ of people on Staff who know how to get a hold of me, someone should have asked if it was me, before labeling it with my name.  

This only other thing about this that I will note is, I find it odd that an inquiry regarding something that is seemingly nothing more than a curiosity, needed to have blame attached to it.  Considering it obviously had to have been anonymous, the Zoo or RecPark could have posted the answer to the question to social media, but instead it was put on me, and addressing a member of the public's concern, whether mine or as it was, someone else's, it was ignored.

Circling back to the RecPark, who's obligation it is to maintain the Bison Paddock as a whole, in previous posts I have noted in addition to their failure regarding the Sprinkler and toxic weeds, that the signage around the enclosure fencing needs replacing.  I'm going to repeat this as in my opinion, the multi-placement of these signs that have previously read, DOGS MUST BE HELD ON LEASH IN THIS AREA OF THE PARK, is important.  There are hardly any of these signs left and all but one that I saw, look like this...

Note that the RecPark is well aware of these concerns, as I send blog posts the Commissioners.

These signs are not for nothing.  Dog owners ignore leash laws, and one got into the back enclosure not long after the arrival of the last group of babie Bison, and one lost it's life.  That alone should be a reason that these signs are up, clearly readable, and placed continuously along the whole perimeter.  That said, I believe the Dog got in through an existing access point.  The day after that tragedy I walked the entire perimeter and was able to stick my foot under the fence in thirty-six places.  These holes either started by Dogs off leash or Coyotes, should have been securely filled by RecPark who is supposed to check daily that the entire fence line is secure.  Some of these holes just had pine cones stuck in them.  Big Fail. 

For that post I was going to do this summer, I made this comparison to what the sign in the front of the main meadow looks like.  The RecPark cares so little, they let the attraction's main signage continue to look like shit with the same graffiti for near a year.  There is no regular attention to it.  It looked the same with some additional graffiti last week.

Additionally, the Bison attract many visitors.  When they are in the back enclosure, they are hard to see.  A park neighbor who I know, also loves the Bison and visits them on her daily walk. She had an idea and contacted RecPark and suggested they put a sign directing visitors around to the west side for viewing.  That was over a year ago.  We both continue to direct people ourselves when we are there.  No reason people shouldn't be able to get the closest look possible of Our Beautiful Ladies.

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> Related Posts:  

September 21, 2025
Bison Meadow Saga - Fall Update & My New Idea

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/bison-meadow-saga-fall-update-my-new.html

August 16, 2026
Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/long-winded-management-and-city.html

> Content History:  Use Search Box in upper left corner and search "Bison".  There are dozens of posts.

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

 

Respect The Animals Signage Taken Down! - Who Thought This Was A Good Idea?

Updated: Fifteen years doing this blog, and this is a first.  As I was proofreading this in draft last night, I was dozing off.  I hit publish and not long after I was out.  When I woke at 4a, I immediately felt like there was something I should have done before posting.  Even though there were a couple dozen views I reverted this post to draft.  The added content will be highlighted at the end.  Apologies to anyone who is now reading this twice.  But I feel better about it.

Well, here I am again.  And the only reason, is because the action of removing these signs, puts Our Animals in danger.   These signs could save lives, so I have no choice but to document this.

I would have never thought signage like this would be removed, as we in fact, need even more.   

This was the only photo I had already on the blog of the sign I'm referencing. Since taken at an angle to show how it evolved to include multi-lingual message, below is the wording, as it might be hard to read.

Respect the Animals 

The magnificent animals in the Zoo

are wild and possess all their natural instincts.

You are a guest in their home. 

PLEASE don't tap on the glass, cross barriers,

throw anything into exhibits, make excessive noise,

tease or call out to them.

Please call (415) 753-7069 or

notify an employee immediately

to report misbehavior.

Is this messaging somehow considered no longer needed?

Whoever decided to do this should not be working in an Animal Care facility.   

Removing important messaging like what is on these signs, is not only not smart, it's Reckless.

The sign below was the first incarnation.  Installed after the Tiger event in 2007.  This messaging has been in place almost twenty years.   

While many people do not read signs, they are still important.  Especially at Our Zoo, where I see misbehavior every visit.  I spent over a decade documenting the breachable barriers at Bears and Black Rhino, that have still never been made to discourage people from hanging their kids over the barriers.  This is the biggest offense, because it could end with a bullet to the head of one of Our Animals.  

I was told they were taken down by management. So I have to ask, WHY?  If anyone knows why, please let me know.  Did this come from the top? Regardless, the person at the top, should not have allowed this to happen, and if it was their idea, they clearly Do Not get the importance of keeping Our Animals safe.

This is very upsetting.

Update:  So, the thing that was bothering me was that I only checked half the property.  Even though I did ask somebody I trust about it, I like to double confirm by seeing things with my own eyes.  And while I saw half the property, the chance that there could have been a stray one left somewhere was bugging me.  I took another walk today and checked a few of the enclosures that I remembered had those signs, and there were none.   At one of those places there was a Keeper and I asked, "There was a sign here right?".  It was confirmed and without me saying anything further, they continued and said, "It was taken down because the phone number needed to be changed".   

Now, there's a possible reason, whereas before the impression was they were not being replaced. That said, it doesn't even matter.  These signs are important.  In my opinion, they are so important to keeping Our Animals safe, that they should not have been removed for even one hour of time that the Zoo is open.  And, by some accounts, allegedly the signs have been gone for a couple of months.  

If they are being redone to change the phone number, they should not have been taken down until the new one was put up. They could have done one of several simple things to temporarily add the new phone number on there.   Additionally if that is the only thing that needed to be changed any sign company could have made a little adhesive plate in the same coloring that would have fit right over the phone number.  They didn't need to spend money to replace the whole thing and have it out of commission.

Leaving Our Animals safety at risk, is Unacceptable.

World Orangutan Day Secret Party - Note To Zoo... Celebrations Are Fun For All!

Last Sunday, I posted a "pause" in my documentation on this blog, in an effort to free my mind, time, and energy.  It has started working to some degree, but I know it's going to take some time.  

Monday, I visited the Zoo with a friend who is a longtime Member.  As we walked around enjoying the Animals, we talked about a lot of the fails and challenges.  We both have cared about Our Zoo for a very long time.  Since I visit more often, and have immersed myself in everything Zoo for eighteen years, I of course would point out issues, share ideas, and answer her questions.  A couple things, went straight to the part of my mind that made notes for blogging.  It's hard to shake.  I shared that with her and noted that prior to last weekends sudden move to pause, I had thought the path I should try would be to resurrect an older blog where I just posted a short entry with a photo in a running commentary.  It was intended to share the good stuff.  I liked that style.  And last weekend I forgot about that option, and reconsidered it.

My visit Wednesday, had me chomping at the bit to write a post.  It's still nagging at me, even though I've tried to resist and continue to push ahead of the withdrawal symptoms, especially since what irked me was a repeat of what's already been said.  Last night I thought a good compromise would be a monthly wrap-up.  This morning, while I think that's a doable goal, that might have to start next month.  

Apologies for my small steps to freedom, and this rehash of a tired subject.  Holding it in, takes up more energy than putting it out there.

World Orangutan Day was Wednesday.  Admittedly, I forgot.  I used to know all the Awareness Days, and Birthdays, but in the last couple years of overwhelm, aside from a few, I don't remember the dates much.  I have made a decent list, and had them noted on my calendar to-do listing, but rearranged that as it was too long, and so I don't see the notations, and miss possible celebrations for Awareness Days and Birthdays often. Anyway, I woke-up that morning to a message a friend sent me of Our Orangutan Ollie's Mama Dasa and Brother Otis from his home Zoo in Erie.  Lucky I saw that message at 830a and was reminded it was Orangutan Day.  I had already thought to go out and see Boomer (Emu), so I jumped out of bed, jammed, and got there just in time for opening.

Again, in my opinion it's a fail that the Zoo didn't post anything in advance, had no awareness signage at entrance, or conservation pop-up table at enclosure.

As I walked thru the gate house, two sandwich boards were in view.  I was reminded of an idea I posted before about there being a sandwich board letting the public know about Awareness Days.  "It's World Orangutan Day!  Make sure to visit Our Orangutans!".  Additionally, noting if there's a celebration or Birthday party scheduled.

Not doing any of these things just seems like more missed opportunities to endear the public to Our Animals, build Community, and in this case, Educate about plight of wild Orangutans. It was a wonderful party for Ollie and Amoi, and happy I was able to enjoy and celebrate with them, but geez when will Our Zoo get it together, and understand the value of giving the public a heads-up for these celebrations?  I know I'm not the only one who enjoys seeing the Zoo Friends having fun with enrichment toys and items these parties provide.  

As I stood there watching Ollie and Amoi, I heard people behind me who were walking up to the enclosure, "It's World Orangutan Day".   I even overheard a Docent nearby say to a Staffer they didn't know.  

Noting this as a fail to a staffer, they suggested that maybe it would take time to get a system for these things going, after being held back from celebrations for so long under the previous management.  I can understand that in some ways, and certainly respect challenges in coordination, but I also look at how easy some of these things are to do, and have seen them done, and want the consistency of that for the betterment of Our Zoo.  

These celebration events are coordinated between Keepers and PR, why does the disconnect stop there?  There has been advance notice for Gorilla's Bawang and Cecil Birthdays, but none for Dara's.  It can't possibly take much to make a social media post.  While the Conservation gal may be off on certain days, so a pop-up might not always be an option, even though there are others that work in Conservation.  Why isn't there a Docent out, or a Keeper Talk?  As for signage, it doesn't take much to write out a sign to post at entry.  A blackboard with colorful chalk writing is all there needs to be, and anyone on staff can put that out.  

How is doing these little things, not a consistent thing, and not recognized as a valuable asset and tool to endearing and educating our Zoo going public?